“Happy and successful cooking doesn't rely only on know-how; it comes from the heart, makes great demands on the palate and needs enthusiasm and a deep love of food to bring it to life.”
- Georges Blanc, Ma Cuisine des Saisons!

January 7, 2008

Microwaved Plate Idlis are my entry to "Easy cooking with Microwave" which is hosted by Srivalli of "Cooking 4 all seasons" with a theme of "Tiffins" this month. Thanks Sri!:)

I am sending Butternut Squash Stir-fry to Marta from "an Italian in the US" blog for her "Fresh produce of the Month" event. She has chosen "Squash" this month. Thanks Marta, enjoy!:)

Idlis are the quintessential breakfast or tiffin dish for most South Indians. We usually steam these in Idli stand or Thatte Idli stand inside the pressure. For a faster way, I cook them in the microwave one at a time. They come out quite well for folks in a hurry but of course not as soft as the regular steamed ones. Try it out and see if you like it. Cooking time varies depending on the power of your microwave, experiment. I like the convenience and ease of microwaving these. Enjoy!:)

To make the usual Idli batter:Soak 1 1/2 cups Long grain rice,1/2 cup Converted rice(par-boiled rice) in a bowl with lots of water.In another bowl,soak 3/4 cup Urad dal,1 tbsp Fenugreek seeds with water over night or atleast for 3hrs. Wash rice,drain and grind coarsely like semolina with just enough water and put in a bowl.Now,wash,drain and grind Urad dal,fenugreek seeds with enough water to a very smooth paste until fluffy light batter. Add to the bowl with ground rice and mix both thoroughly. Make sure batter is thicker than pancake/dosa batter and sprinkle the top with 1 tsp salt.Cover and let it ferment overnight in the oven with the pilot light on in winter.In summer,you can keep it outside to ferment. Do not mix it until morning. When fermented well, you will see the batter risen to double the volume with little bubbles on top. Mix the batter well adding more salt if needed and 1/2 tsp Baking soda.

To microwave the idlis:Spray a plate with no-stick oil, pour in a ladleful of batter and shake gently to spread, cover with Microwave proof plate or bowl, microwave it for one minute depending on the thickness of the batter.Thinner Idlis cook better and faster. Open the cover and check the middle for doneness, take out and cool on a cooling rack. Serve as soon as possible or you can reheat covered with plates for later.

Butternut Squash Palya/stir-fry:I love Butternut Squash. It's sweet and spicy tasting palya/tir-fry tastes so good with dosa or idlis or in toasted bread sandwiches too. I have already posted the recipe which I make often here, but I am re-typing the recipe again. Enjoy making it, tasts delicious with these plate idlis as well!:)

You need:

2 cups chopped butternut pieces, few chopped Cilantro, Salt to taste.To Season:2 tbsp Oil/butter1 tsp mustard seeds,1 tsp chana dal (Split peas)1/2" ginger minced,few Curry leaves1 onion chopped2-4 Fresh green chillies,choppedTo make the stir-fry:Heat oil/butter, add all the seasoning ingredients one by one and fry until onion is reddish.Put in diced pumpkin pieces,2 tbsp water and stir-fry for 5mins. Turn down the heat,cover and cook they are until soft, almost dry but not mushy. Add in enough salt to taste and cilantro.

Here is another simple inexpensive gadget you could use to make regular Idlis in the MW. These are called MW Egg poachers available in grocery stores:

I saw these poachers in one of the blogs (don't remember which blog unfortunately) being used to make Idlis and was very impressed. Since the Idli batter used in this gadget is thicker than in the plates, you will have allow more time to cook, got to learn how many minutes to cook by trial and error!Enjoy!:))

I don't think I have 7 weirdest things to say about me but will try my best and keep it short!:)

1. I can't stand loud music, kids crying or acting up in public, loud and insensitive parents. I move as far away as I can in public places from them and keep away from likes of them my personal life as well.

2. I HATE phones or phone calls! It's true! When I want to call my parents in India, I think all the the things I want to say but when I do call them, I forget everything what I had planned to say and mumble pleasantries and hang up within 5mins! I would rather write long letters than call anyone! I am a writer I guess! Did I say I HATE phones!!:D

3. I wear "Man Pyjamas" as I call them to sleep in! I don't like any lacy, frilly, flowery, pink and purple "nighties". I go to men section in the stores and buy few 100% cotton, very comfortable pyjamas with computer, football, baseball and bear designs on them!! They are soooo comfy and cool!!:D

4. I was never scared of creepy crawlies or anyone as a child and am still not. I often tell my kids that if any burglar invades my home, he is going to have a VERY VERY BAD day. Arvind says he believes me when I say that!:P

5. I walk the other way if anybody tries to get close to me physically or emotionally!I have this invisible "Lakshman Rekha" or boundary around me and I don't like when people invade it or tries to step in. I give "shoulder hug" and a pat on the back and step away!:D That applies to my best friends too and they know it!

6. I don't "Hero Worship" anyone! I think we are all great, some do more than others. That doesn't mean they should be put on pedestal and worshiped. Of course,I admire them for what they have done or do but that's where it stops!

7. I will fill the 7th, when I think of one more weird thing about me later!

OH, I just thought of one more. I am a clean freak. I have this little dog who is all over my husband and kids but I hate when his wet nose touches me! If I want to pet him I will use my toes when he is sitting on the carpet, never touch him with my hands. If I do touch him with my hands, I will get up and wash my hands immediately! Poor dog and poor me!!!

Do I hear the Mental Asylum vehicle siren coming to get me?!!!Hahaha!!

I am not tagging anybody this time but you are welcome to take it up if you like. Have a great week!:)

Posted by
Asha

79 comments:

Wow Nice Idea of steaming Idlies....I used to eat this kind of idlies in my home B4 marriage..I was missing this kinda idly but sure will steam this way in microwave as this seems to be quite simple!!Thanks for sharing the Idea:)

Hey asha idli in the MW i will give it a try. Hans brought home gifts idli packets when he went to london. And iwas moaning that it is a waste as we don't have the utensils to make idli. He will be glad to know that i can make them in MW.The first weird habbit i do agree with u. Fifht one i know another person who is like that. Shyama is just like you. She runs a mile when her friends come and hugs her.

LOL ashakka... just read ur new year resolution in FH and was abt to leave comment. then saw this post poping in FBD and came over to wish u a very happy new year 9and here i am SHOUTING;)thats really cool way to prepare tatte idlies. next time i am gonna give it a try in MW. but i have noticed that the idlies cooked in MW are not as soft as they r cooked in traditional method. one of my blog reader also asked this question.anyways, wishing u again a very happy new yr and by the way, what's ur phone num? he he he he....

HeHe!! I should meet Shyama then and shake hands quickly, suits us both!:DI tried MTR Idli packs for the first time last month, they are really good. Try to soak Gits batter for 15 mins before you MW them. Steaming makes them soft by cooking the grains,but to MW they should be already soft. Try it!:)Good to see you back F.

I don't have those MW Idli stand EC, but I have seen it in the website though.I didn't buy it since I didn't know it would work. This is the alternate way to make plate Idlis!:)

Sia, great to see you. Happy new year to you too. Glad to see you back. I intend to all keep all the resolutions this year, no dilly dally about that! I don't see you, you don't see me!!I didn't even surf last weekend!! YAY!!:DREAD girl! I have written that it won't be as soft as steamed one but to serve it hot quickly and fresh out of the MW, they are quite good. The edges become a little dry because MW cooks from outside to inside, that's why you cover it. I love it since Arvind always walks in at 8pm and I don't have to reheat and serve the cold ones or reheated ones!:)Happy Monday, have a great day, see you later.

hey, those idlis look so good for a m/w version!! can never say no to dhania chutney :)ur meme was fun to read, man pyjamas...lol. i just don't like people talking on the phone while driving, do all ur talking at home and leave the roads ALONE!!!!!!!

Hi Vimmi, see! That's why I am weird!;DI MWed the idlis without the cover at first and they became dry on the edges.Cooking them covered keep them moist, also you will have to find the correct time by trial and error. Enjoy.

HeHe! Rajitha, I think it's just my personality not to get too close to people. I am sure they are lot of people out there like me too, not just me!:D

That's true Richa! I have seen people brushing their teeth while driving in the early morning and swallowing the stuff, never mind talking on the phone! Yikes!!Love my man Pyjamas and the Cilantro chutney too,specially when they are fresh!:)

You are welcome Sneha, great to see you again girl. Happy new year to you!:))

Laavanya, you will plate Idli stand at FH too, usually I steam with those in pressure cooker. MW is a quick fix!:D

Bee, you must try those 100% soft cotton man PJs, they are soooo comfortable, you will never want to be sexy in those lacy lingerie ever again!:PI will send it to her. I will have to add the recipe in full though. Thanks!:)

Hi Sig, you can relate it too. I thought I am the only weird one! I guess it's our personality trait. People are just different, that's all!:)I did enjoy, I didn't surf the blogs this weekend. I am so proud!:D

Thank you Kamini!;DYeah, I used MW for reheating before too. Since Sri started this MW event,I am experimenting a lot, it does work most of the time. Tempering(Tadka) is hard though, other than that it's usable!:)

You are welcome Rina. If you are in a hurry, you can't beat that quick MW Idlis!:))

Haha!! Glad you have atleast half of those weird things, I was feeling a little bit lonely here!:DI was the only girl growing up at home and a tomboy to boot, so I don't have all the finesse of a girl. Somehow, I have developed a passion for cooking!:)

D, you can use any microwavable plates or cups to make Dhoklas, Idlis etc in mW too. Of course, you do get plastic MW Idli stand as well to buy, you know that right? Steamed Idlis are always better but MWing is great if you are in a hurry!:)

Hahaha!! Manasi, "shoulder hug" to ya!! Glad you liked my weirdness!:PYes, you do get the MW regular Idli stand to buy (expensive at $35!), but I don't have those. I use any microwaveable Egg poacher or Omelette maker you get in the grocery store to try out Idlis, works well!:D

Try it Shalini. If you have plastic MW cups, you can use those to make regular Idlis too but it takes more time to cook since they are thick. Plate Idlis are easier!:))

Pravs, if I tell you anymore about me, I will have to live with you permanently!:DTry the MW Idlis just to see if you like it!:)

Mansi!!! Man Pyjamas are great, that is the only sane thing I do of all those in the list!!REALLY!Yeah, most people don't understand me but when I make friends, I keep them for years as long as they stay little bit away from me! HeHe!!

I tried Idlis in MW, but mine gets dry! Guess i am over cooking it.. your looked very moist. Thatte Idli - i always feel these taste better than one we make on reg. idli stand. My mom wold steam on a plate & cut into rectangles & serve - same batter etc.. but this i always said tastes better ( something in mind i guess!!)Meme was interesting.. hate phone!! I love them :-)

Post your MW idlis too Meera, love to look at them. I saw MW Idli stand in the website but they are expensive for a plastic ones!No, I will give you a VERY QUICK hug!:D

Seema, first time I made these, the edges curled up because I was cooking them little too long. Then I cooked for a short time,take them out when the middle is still little soft. They keep on cooking after a few mins too outside. Covering them also prevents drying. it to learn the correct time for each MW. Try it!:)Follow the link, you will see the real plate idli stand I have at FH, that what I usually use, this is the quick version.Love phone; I believe you, usually women love to talk forever on that phone, my daughter does too!!:D

I like the cilantro chutney and make something similar for sandwiches. Idlis are something which I do not care for:-)My mom makes the best idlis but I won't touch 'em.I am a clean freak too. In fact, my husband thinks I am becoming more and more like MONK with every passing day!

Lata, I might buy one of those if it works well, saves lot of time indeed!:)

Hahaha!! Tbc, we both should leave our husbands and live in a very clean environment happily ever after!;DArvind and kids don't like Idlis and Dosas that much either but they eat them anyway when I make them once in 2 weeks. Kids don't like the fermented smell!:D

Raaga, good to see you. Take your time if you can't get in some days, can't help with these internet connection!:))Yeah, they serve Thatte Idlis in the restaurants too these days in B'lore. In Hassan, they are always available.

Sri, absolutely can have more!:)I thought hard what else can I cook in the MW for breakfast but idli was the best I could come up with! Glad you liked it.

I liked your meme a lot. Your blog is one of those blogs I read and get inspired. You dont limit yourself. I like the personal touch of your blogs. I have read of making idlis in custrad ramekins in microwave but never had courage to do it. SHould try it today as i have batter. Ok Clean freak, mens pj loving , phone hater ,burglar freaker, I love you & your blog no matter. Ok no hugs

Beautiful idea of making plate idlis in microwave...With this idlis we can make sandwich idlis perfect... (thanks for the tip)Nice write-up.All your earlier posts, palak with paramesan cheese, mango keer and cookies look nice. Thanks for sharing,.

Ashakka... you should come to my blog whether you see a comment from me or not :-) I am facing serious problems with blogspot alone... and it is so moody I can't tell you... I get to your blog, Nupur's blog, Meeta's blog, Nandita's blog and so on... so late that it is not even funny :-(((

Raaga, I will try. I have too much work these days, kids have all the exams and tests, so it's hard to visit so many posts everyday.THat doesn't mean I don't care but...I choose a few, skip some, can't help it. Got to have some time for myself!:) Late is quite okay, never is not good!:DHave a great day, see you later.

Dhangitt, great to see you. I was thinking of writing your MeMe tag next week!:))Yes,you can make any curry for these. My Catholic friend used to serve these idlis with Pork curry on X-Mas day. Tastes great with non-veg or sambhar as well. Enjoy.Serve immediately after making it out of the MW.I am in the mood for baking bread today, proofing in the oven as we speak!:DGlad you tried Naan, go to recipe Index to find all the non-veg and veg curries too.

Hi Asha!Love your advices. Sometimes I like to use microwave. And good idea with this gadget for eggs.Thanks for sharing about yourself..You wrote it in your specific, interesting way. Good idea with Man Pujamas. I like to use the shirts (bigger)but I'm going to start with 100% cotton pijamas too...hahaha..Best to you!

Hi G, I make Thatte Idli often, I love it. Easier to scoop side dishes than little Idlis!:DArvind bought me a Bose head phone for X-Mas and I can't stand it! I feel like I am drowning because it's right on my ear!!:P

Hi K, Egg poachers are great for MWing Eggs in a hurry, works well!:)In Summer, I wear big cotton shirts too!! I call them "my tent"!!Hahaha!! They are the best!

Dear Asha, thank you so much for this wonderful recipe and sorry for not seeing it earlier!! I feel really bad about missing it! I'll put it on the roundup as soon as I get home tonight :) It looks delicious, and I was looking forward to learning how to make idlies.

i tried mwing idlis once and it was a disaster...then someone said to also keep a small bowl of water alongside to combat the dryness.... i must try this again....i did get an idli stand with the mw (complimentary gift!!) but put it on the loft with the vessels i dont use...must bring it down!! the pumpkin side dish looks yum... will be fab with hot phulkas too i think.......

Arundati, it does take some experimenting to MW Idlis. I just cover it while in the MW, need to keep the steam in but remove the lid as soon as it comes out to prevent soggy Idlis. Try in the MW plates, might work. It's easy and convenient but never as soft as steamed ones!:))

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